Frisco’s Main Street faced a unique challenge this Small Business Saturday as local establishments navigated the ongoing impacts of a multi-million dollar construction project. Many small business owners expressed concerns over customer traffic during a crucial shopping day, highlighting the difficulties they continue to face due to prolonged construction.
Small Business Owners Voice Concerns
At Dad Jokes Cheesy Burger, co-owner Gabby Jones emphasized the importance of weekends like Small Business Saturday for sustaining operations. “Small businesses are really us trying to support our staff too,” Jones stated. Despite hopes for a busy day, she noted that foot traffic was not as robust as anticipated. “We were really hoping today would be busy. It’s been a little steady, but not what we were preparing for,” she added. “We are so grateful for the people that have walked in the doors.”
Jones’s establishment opened just four months ago in the midst of extensive construction aimed at transforming the city’s Rail District into a more walkable and vibrant area. The ongoing work has created significant challenges for businesses that rely heavily on customer visits.
Impact of Construction on Local Economy
Further down the street, Scott Hoffner, owner and chef at Didi’s Downtown, shared his observations on the changes happening outside his restaurant. “This is the new sidewalk, yeah. It’s big enough you can drive a car down it, but I’m just glad to see it,” Hoffner remarked. He acknowledged that while the new infrastructure promises to enhance the area, it has also led to a noticeable decline in customer flow.
According to city officials, improvements such as new sidewalks and the return of two-way traffic on Main Street are expected to be completed soon. Hoffner stressed the importance of supporting small businesses, stating, “If you don’t support small businesses, we won’t be here. Small businesses, in my mind, are what make the world go round.”
Despite the ongoing difficulties, local business owners remain optimistic. They believe that the improvements will ultimately attract more visitors to the Rail District once the construction is finalized. Jones expressed hope for the future, saying, “We hope that it becomes even better when the construction’s done.”
As Frisco continues its transformation, the resilience of its small businesses will be critical in shaping the character and economy of the area moving forward. The community’s support during these challenging times will play a vital role in their survival and growth.
